Carrie Underwood performs on her "Blown Away" tour at The Palace of Auburn Hills.Courtesy of P.J. Ludwick

AUBURN HILLS, MI -- From the day aspiring country singer Carrie Underwood blew into living rooms as a contestant on "American Idol," the Oklahoma native set out to do it all:

Tour, record, win awards, write hit songs and at the same time establish herself as a leading lady in country music.

Of course, the often shy singer with a goofy sense of humor -- watch her the next time she co-hosts the Country Music Awards with duet partner Brad Paisley -- might not come out and directly say she wants to be the next Loretta Lynn or Reba McEntire

But her nearly two-hour, 22-song set Sunday night at The Palace of Auburn Hills clearly establishes herself as country music's best female entertainer.

That's meant as no disrespect to hard-driving country star Miranda Lambert or pop princess Taylor Swift. But Carrie Underwood combines both styles into a flawless masterpiece that she only defines.

Her current "Blown Away" tour is a mix of modern technology, multi-media elements, traditional country music, high fashion and great music, all backed by a talented seven-member ensemble of musicians and vocalists.

She plays all the hits, dating back to her 2005 smash "Jesus Take the Wheel" right on through "Blown Away," which is the title track of her current multi-platinum album and the night's fitting encore.

She connects with the fans on every level; at times waving to audience members while in the middle of a song or talking about how those "American Idol" auditions in St. Louis changed her life forever.

Female fans make up the majority of her fan base: Teens in plaid shirts and cowboy hats, twentysomethings in boots and a skirt, and moms bringing their young daughters.

The night was about music.

Carrie Underwood brings out Hunter Hayes for a song during her "Blown Away" tour.Courtesy of P.J. Ludwick

Carrie Underwood pays homage to traditional country, singing her remake of Randy Travis' masterpiece "I Told You So," then tosses back her golden locks on a cover of Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion."

And she changes costumes often enough to make Reba proud.
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"The Blown Away" tour is a complete package of pop, rock and Carrie Underwood at her best. And at the heart of her show is that powerful, God-given voice.

Opening the show is country newcomer and recent winner of the American Music Awards Best New Artist, Hunter Hayes. Many of those female fans were there just for him. He's a natural showman who is creating quite a stir in country music.

Singles such as "Storm Warning" and "Wanted" have made him a breakout star. But it's clear he has a lot more going for him than just a smile that makes the young girls scream.

He's a talented guitarist, songwriter and even duet partner, returning to the stage to sing "Leave Love Alone" with Carrie Underwood. The young fans ate it up.